Searching For Subtlety: David Feldman Performing São Salvador

by chipboaz on May 17, 2017

Sometimes, subtlety is a difficult thing to interject into Latin Jazz without loosing sight of the elements that make the music come alive. When we’re dealing with rhythmic structures, there’s so many defined elements that make everything gel musically and our ears are absolutely tuned to hearing those pieces fit. Those structures sometimes force musicians into specific roles, often imposing on opportunities for open improvisational conversation during a performance. The search for freedom and different forms of expression involves a deep dive into the music, an exploration larger than most musical journeys. Those subtle musical elements are worth discovering though, because inserting new ideas into the music without loosing the genre can lead to magical results.

Pianist David Feldman has spent years exploring jazz through the eyes of Brazilian music and there’s an outstanding amount of finesse within his music. Raised on classical music, Feldman found a love for improvisation early on, a passion that later led him to The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. In New York, Feldman found his way onto the scene, working with Brazilian musicians like trumpet player Claudio Roditi and Duduka da Fonseca. Back in Brazil, Feldman worked with Leny Andrade, Toninho Horta, and more. As a leader, Feldman has released a number of albums that show his developing style, most recently with the outstanding release Horizonte. There’s a conversational spirit in Feldman’s music that walks the line between freedom and adherence to rhythmic structure. Feldman and musicians keep this balance so effectively, trading roles consistently to open opportunities for other members of the group; it’s quite fluid and beautiful. That’s all on display in today’s video feature, as Feldman and his trio charge through an inspired version of “São Salvador,” that’s full of interplay and insight.